University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring The Dynamic Between Online Social Infrastructure and Online Community of Practice in Social Media Fandom
Octama, C.I. (2022) Exploring The Dynamic Between Online Social Infrastructure and Online Community of Practice in Social Media Fandom.
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| Abstract: | This study investigated the dynamic of social infrastructure and Community of Practice (CoP) in the online setting by examining how Thai series fans in Indonesia socialize and form online communities on Twitter and Instagram. The qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions to collect the data. Snowballing and convenience sampling yielded 22 Thai-series fans. The findings showed that fans used Twitter and Instagram as prominent platforms to build social relationships and form a fan community. Twitter and Instagram also promote fans’ collaboration and shared practices. Fans learned from each other during these processes, not only about fan-related skills but also knowledge that can be applied in everyday life. Fans also highlighted Twitter and Instagram features that support community, but noted some limitations that hinder communication. Based on the findings, this study argued that the relationship between social infrastructure and CoP is indicative of social infrastructure being a precondition for CoP to occur. Social infrastructure is where two main elements of CoP are formed, that is, community and shared practice. Social infrastructure is also a place for learning community. Furthermore, this study describes how fans use social media as an online social infrastructure by showing social media as a primary place to build social relationships and bonds. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 05 communication studies, 70 social sciences in general |
| Programme: | Communication Studies MSc (60713) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/93672 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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